Ghouls

The week or so passed and I was discharged from the hospital. During my last few days, my nightmares had gotten stronger, although the doctors didn’t know and I was in no place to tell them. The after effects had gotten more severe; bruises and cuts being left on my body even after waking up, all of which were hidden from doctors to stop them asking. I’d had some visitors which occupied and relieved my mind during the long, lonely days; Mike had come up from the garage to see how I was doing (as Cam had told him of the accident.) I also managed to get some time off for tour. Brian also came up the day before everyone set off. I half hoped he would’ve visited more than once but whenever I did think it, the rational side of my brain kicked in and took into account how much preparation must go into tour and figured he must’ve been really busy.

When I was finally released, I immediately got a cab back to my flat and let myself in. As soon as I opened the door I was knocked to my feet; Hud was so excited he’d jumped and pushed me onto the floor. He viscously licked my face as he whined and shook, trying to get as close to me as possible to cuddle me. It made me laugh as I rubbed his back and kissed his head, gradually being able to stand up as he calmed down. I got in, set my keys down on the counter where I found an envelope from Cam.

I opened it up, finding a letter as well as some money and plane tickets inside. (I didn’t need the money but for whatever reason, Cam seemed to think I did so I simply accepted.) I pulled out the letter and began to read:

Hey, Lau. I imagine you’re out of hospital now and probably have Hud knocking you over in excitement. I’ve fed and walked him as much as I could this week while you’ve been away but he probably hasn’t been walked the last few days seeing that by now tour has started. Although, I did give Mike a spare set of keys, if you don’t mind, just so that he would let Hud out during the day to feed him and let him do his business. In the envelop with this note should be your plane tickets to Chicago City airport as well as food and taxi fair to get to the venue once you’re here. The flight is in a couple days so don’t worry about rush packing; we all wanted to make sure you were fully rested beforehand anyway. We’re ALL looking forward to seeing you,
Love,
Cam x

I smiled as I read the letter, excited about flying out to Chicago. I always wanted to visit (although I knew that with the tour we wouldn’t get to do much site-seeing) but I was still excited to just be there. I decided I’d pack right away; sort everything out for when I leave. I took the letter, the tickets and the money and raced into my room. I dragged the travel bag off of the wardrobe and dropped it onto the bed in the centre of the room. I then began frantically pulling clothes out of my wardrobe and draws, questions like: ‘how long am I going for?’ and ‘how hot is it going to be?’ suddenly flashed through my mind, panicking me; suddenly thinking I was in no way prepared for the trip. Eventually, I gave in and just decided to pack as many clothes as possible and for as many different weather conditions as I could think of.

After packing, I then realised I had no clothes to wear, other than the clothes I was wearing, for the 3 days I had at home and the flight. Defeated, I collapsed onto the bed; my legs bending at the knees and lifting up to my chin to lay in the feotal position on the sheets.
Unsurprisingly, I drifted to sleep...

Notes